Prepare your backyard now and create a safe haven for birds in bad weather

(BPT) – Ready or not, bad weather is on its way. Before the snow starts falling, take some time to transform your backyard into a safe refuge for winter-weary birds before unpredictable, harsh weather begins. The experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products suggest timely tips to encourage birds to seek sustenance and shelter in your backyard this winter.

Start by taking an inventory of your existing feeders. Inspect each for damage and replace if necessary. Consider adding new feeders to attract even more birds and allow for fewer trips to refill them during especially cold and stormy days. Now is also the perfect time to stock up on high-energy bird feed so you’re ready to go when the first flakes fall.

Different species of birds not only prefer different types of feed, they prefer different types of feeders. Consider providing a variety of feeder types to increase the diversity of your avian visitors.

A tube feeder is a must-have, since these all-purpose feeders keep seed dry while allowing a wide variety of birds to feed from multiple ports. Specialty wire-mesh tube feeders, designed for birds that cling, can easily dispense tiny, oil-rich niger seeds, protein-packed dried mealworms and other specialty feed. Mesh feeders allow clinging birds like woodpeckers to grasp the side of the feeder while selecting food — and prevent larger, more aggressive birds from hogging the feed.

If you want an easy-to-use, one-size-fits-most feeder, select a bowl style with a protective dome that can be raised and lowered to thwart large birds and squirrels from getting to the feed while helping to protect seed from rain and snow. Easy to hang and fill, bowl feeders accommodate any seed, suet or even chopped fruit. Also, be sure to include at least one suet cage in your feeder array since suet provides a critical source of energy for birds in cold weather.

Clean to prevent disease

As you prepare your feeders, a necessary chore is to clean out any residue before filling with fresh seed. Unfortunately, some feeders are hard to scrub out, but Cole’s tube feeders have a built-in “quick-clean” feature, making cleaning a breeze. Just push a button and the bottom pops off for easy access to the inside. Use soapy water and a bottlebrush to scrub, then rinse with cool water. This ensures that mold or mildew aren’t present and helps prevent disease.

Select top-quality feed

You may not realize that some commercial birdfeed is treated to prevent spoilage or packed with cheap “filler” seeds like milo, wheat or red millet — which birds seldom eat. Offering top-quality feed means less waste and ensures an increase in birds at your feeders.

Cole’s takes exceptional care to select only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest-quality seeds birds like to eat. The seed is delivered in “Harvest Fresh Lock” packaging, which protects nutritional content and doesn’t allow seed to spoil or dry out like other bird feed. No dangerous pesticides, chemicals or mineral oils are used, keeping seed as close to a natural state as possible.

Your seed choices should provide birds with the biggest energy boost possible. Sunflower is a great seed option for winter because it’s rich in oil, which attracts birds and provides plenty of energy. Cole’s Oil Sunflower is the highest-grade black oil sunflower seed, at over 99 percent pure! Peanuts are another high-energy option. Choose hulled varieties that are whole — and more nutritious than peanut pieces.

Birds need fresh water, especially in cold weather. Choose a heated birdbath and place it in a sheltered spot for safe access. And since birds may unwisely choose the coldest days to take a bath, consider placing a few rocks inside to discourage bathing, while still allowing birds room to drink.

Birds also appreciate warm, dry shelter from wet, snowy conditions. Offering well-insulated nest boxes will provide them with a cozy place to harbor.

Preparing for birds now will enable you to continue to enjoy them throughout the winter and birds will benefit from your extra-special care.

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